As we enter more fully into this new year I would like to take a few weeks to study the five stages of permanent change written by Christine Clarridge in the Monday, January 2 Seattle Times. Just a quick reminder what those five stages include. First is the pre-contemplative stage. Second is the contemplation stage. Third, the preparation stage. Four we have the action phase. And finally fifth, comes the maintenance stage. As I look at these I find that these are so much greater than examining something like a New Year's Resolution. It really goes much deeper than that. We are surrounded by decisions daily; some of which make little difference. Others, however, can change our lives if we but take some time to think, pray, ask and seek. This Sunday I will begin that study as we continue this year's theme of "Better Together." For us as Christians, daily outward decisions need to depend on our own choices regarding inward experiences. God utilizes us best when we open ourselves to that Spirit. So let's explore that this Sunday and see how God might help us as we move toward daily decisions that can change lives. To prepare please read Romans 8: 18 - 28.

Ministry News

Get to Know Your Bible Class

For ALL kids in 3rd - 5th grade, this special Sunday School class is taught by Colleen Olleman and is a great overview of the Bible. The class meets downstairs in room D during the Education Hour, 10:00-11:00am.

Wednesday Bible Class

From now to mid-March, Pastor Brad's Bible class will focus on the land of the Old and New Testaments: the land promised by God to the Hebrews in the desert, the land significant in the time of Jesus, and the key role the land plays today in and around Israel. The class meets weekly on Wednesdays, from 10:00-11:30am and also from 7:00-8:30pm - same class, different times.

Stewardship Update

A big thank you to those that have turned in their pledge cards! If you haven't done so yet, it's not too late! Click here for the pledge card or pick one up at church.

We are a vibrant and inclusive Christian community growing in faith, love, health and service.

One of the things that gives us the ability to achieve our mission is the funding of our annual budget.

The best and most reliable way to do that is through pledging which provides a reliable, monthly cash flow to do the work of the church.

Pledging also renews your commitment to your membership, reminding you of the pledge made when you became a United Methodist.

Filling out and returning the pledge card provides the record of that intent.

We try to make it as easy as possible to fulfill that pledge - you can donate over any time periods you would like - weekly, monthly, annually, and you can donate by cash, check, on-line credit card or automatic bill pay. You can even donate stock.

Just as in your own family, you don't move forward with purchases, etc. if you don't know that funds will become available to do that. So it is with Aldersgate; we can't move forward with some of our planned programs if we don't know whether we will have the available funds.

January 21Please join us for a church work party on Saturday, January 21 from 8:30am to noon. Aldersgate has a large, beautiful property which takes many volunteers to maintain. Please come when you can Saturday morning and lend a hand. Burrr...we will be working INDOORS! Please sign up on Sunday's attendance form.

2017 FundraisersIs your group planning to hold a new fundraiser or continue an annual fundraiser in the new year? If so, please email your fundraiser name, proposed date(s) and method of solicitation to Melinda Lilley, Finance Team Chair. All fundraisers are approved by the Finance Team to insure that dates do not overlap, that the overall yearly fundraising calendar remains reasonable and well spread out, and that fundraisers adhere to the Fundraising Policy which is posted outside the church office.

Parenting Forum : Bubble Wrap Not Required

February 7th from 7pm - 8:30pm

Every parent wants their child to grow, to experience and to live life fully, but every parent also wants their child to be safe. Join us for this one evening seminar covering how parents can help their children stay safe while they are learning and exploring! During, Bubble Wrap Not Required, Sara Fenstermacher, RN, MSN, CPN, and Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Emergency Department at Seattle Children's, will show parents how to promote growth AND prevent injury. Fenstermacher will share several strategies to help keep your children safe from babyhood through the teen years.

Helpers Wanted

Like to chit-chat? Like to sew? Like to iron? Have a bit of spare time on Friday mornings? If you answered "yes" to at least two of these, then, YOU are needed!!!Aldersgate's long-time group of quilters (sometimes referred to as the Merry Quilters) have announced that they may have to pack away their sewing machines and give up! This group of dedicated ladies through the years have dwindled to only 2 or 3, not enough to keep making all those beautiful handmade items that are sold at the bake sale or given on special occasions. Through their efforts, hundreds of dollars are earned annually in sales and then donated to various charities. So can you help? No need to commit to EVERY Friday, no need to be a terrific sewer, just a willingness to help them as much as you can....and enjoy their terrific company at the same time. You will not be bored! Contact Lea Fox or stop by the church on a Friday morning and talk with them. They'll be so glad you did! But hurry! They're already looking for packing boxes!

Resource Library News

Please browse the new poems added to "Aldersgate Poems: Inspired by Junior Church and Sermons" by Bob Olson, on pages 99-116, including his latest one entitled "Witness to Apocalypse." The Library copies are displayed on the mobile cart.

Fun Events

Vacation Bible School

July 24-27

Save the date! VBS will be held the week of July 24th. This is for kids age 3 throught 5th grade. Everyone older please consider volunteering to help make VBS a big success! Stay tuned for more information.

Yoga Class

January 7 - March 18

Vince Fratello leads his introductory series of Yoga classes on Saturdays from 9:00-10:15am. It is taught at the most basic beginner level and organized to accommodate all body types and physical abilities. Students should bring a sticky yoga mat. Cost is $50 for the entire series of classes. Scholarships are available.

Young at Heart Potluck

Tuesday, February 7

It's time for chili on a chilly night! Join us February 7, 6:00pm, in Friendship Hall for dinner, fun activities and PRIZES. All retirees and "wannabees" will be warmly welcomed. A committee member will be calling to confirm your attendance and your choice to bring either a salad or dessert. If you have never attended before, please sign up on Sunday's attendance form or contact
Beth Sanford.

Meaningful Movies on the Eastside

January 17 @ St. Margaret's Episcopal

Gather with your neighbors for a movie, refreshments, and discussion! St. Margaret's Episcopal Church (4228 Factoria Blvd. SE, Bellevue) is hosting the first film of 2017:
American Winter on Tuesday, January 17 at 6:30pm. This Emmy-nominated documentary follows the personal stories of eight middle-class families in Portland, Oregon struggling in the aftermath of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Filmed over the course of one winter in one American city, the film presents an intimate snapshot of the state of the nation's economy as it is playing out in millions of American families, and highlights the human consequences of the decline of the middle class and the fracturing of the American Dream. A $5/person donation is suggested, but no one will be turned away. Coffee, tea and snacks are included. All are welcome! It is helpful when planning refreshments if you RSVP to Janet Farness (425-417-5217), but come anyway even if you didn't RSVP.

Youth Group (6th-12th Grade)

Youth Group meets on Sunday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm. All youth from 6th-12th grade are welcome. If you have questions about the youth program, contact Jen Hoerber. Here are some upcoming events:

*Jan. 15 - Youth Group, 6:00-8:00pm

*Jan. 16 - MLK Day of Caring, 9:00am-noon.

We will sort and organize clothing and toys for kids in need at the Eastside Baby Corner (Issaquah). This activity will count toward your community service hours. Let Jen Hoerber know if you are interested in participating.

*Jan. 21-22 - Youth Lock-In, 5:30pm Saturday thru 10:00am Sunday!

We will meet at church Saturday evening and then head out and go bowling! Back at church we will play games, watch movies, prepare for the Youth Sunday worship service, maybe get a little sleep, and then rise and shine for breakfast and Sunday services.

*Jan. 22 -Youth Sunday so NO Youth Group tonight.

Youth SUMYT Retreat

March 17-19

It is time to CLICK HERE for more information and to register for the SUMYT retreat. The SUMYT retreat, one of the most popular events of the year, is for youth in grades 6-12 and is hosted at Camp Indianola, March 17-19. The theme this year is CATCHING FIRE. By the way, four of our own serve on the planning team - youth Bryce, Jacob and Oliver, and Patty Ferguson as an adult leader.

PLEASE do not pay by credit card but instead choose the PAY BY CHECK option. Aldersgate will be paying $50 of everyone's registration fee, so to make this easier the church will be writing one check for all registration fees. Checks for your portion of the registration ($70/youth) can be written to Aldersgate with SUMYT in the memo line.

Club 345 (3rd, 4th, 5th Grade)

February 12

This fellowship group for kids in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade meets once a month, usually on the second Sunday. IT starts with dinner at 5:00pm, followed by games, crafts, and toher fun activities from 6:00-7:30pm. The next Club 345 is February 12.

Mission & Outreach

Martin Luther King Day of Caring

Monday, January 16

Aldersgate will again participate in the MLK Day of Caring on Monday, January 16. We will sort and organize clothing and toys for kids in need at Eastside Baby Corner (Issaquah) from 9:00am to noon. You must be 7 years of age or older to volunteer. Friends and family are welcome to join us. Sign up on Sunday's attendance form or contact
Jen Hoerber or
Janice Zahn. We plan to arrange carpooling and possibly have lunch together.